Author

​Barbara Poczyniak, R.Ac, Registered Acupuncturist

"Everything old is new again" – as the saying goes. Pelvic Steaming – also known as vaginal steaming, yoni steams or “bajos” in the Latin American cultural tradition – has recently been featured in magazines and celebrity blog posts. While some are quick to critique the value of this only as a 'bizarre' beauty treatment, the healing history of pelvic steaming is embedded in traditional women's medicine of a number of cultures worldwide. What are the potential health benefits and how to decide if this is for you?

What is Vaginal Steaming?

Pelvic or Vaginal steaming is a gentle way to bring the healing warmth of steam to the pelvic region, and increase blood circulation. Typically, a woman sits over a bowl of steaming water that has been infused with specific herbs chosen for their medicinal benefits. It can be compared to sitting over a large pot of steaming herbal tea. She is exposed directly to the steam rising up to uncovered genital area. The rest of her body is covered warmly, usually wrapped in a blanket. The steam essentially acts as a warm steam bath for the vagina, as well as deeply warming the reproductive organs and increasing circulation to this area.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as in various other traditional medicine cultures it is thought that stagnation and cold in the pelvic area can negatively affect women's health. Stagnation of blood, lymph and energy circulation in this area may manifest as painful or irregular periods or contribute to issues such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis or infertility. These are health concerns that traditional healers and midwives have been treating with simple steam bathing for centuries.

In Arvigo® Therapy, many of the symptoms related to a displaced uterus are also addressed by pelvic steaming. When a uterus is leaning forward, backward or to one side it is less efficiently shedding its lining and cleansing itself in the form of a monthly menstrual period. Brown, thick blood and/or clots at the beginning or end of a period may mean the uterine contents are not shedding completely, stuck along with the residual menstrual blood that is left over from previous cycles. Women with these signs may often benefit from pelvic steaming. The healthiest period is one with a flow of fresh red blood - without cramps, clots or brown blood.

When Steaming may be recommended

Preparing for conception

Unexplained Infertility

Dark brown or black blood at the beginning or end of your period

Blood clots during menstruation

Menstrual cramping prior or during your period

Fibroids

Endometriosis

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Ovarian cysts; PCOS

Pelvic muscular tension

Long menstrual cycles (lasting 31 days or longer is considered long)

Peri-menopause and Menopause

Postpartum or post miscarriage healing

Prolapse of reproductive organs

When not to Steam

Do not steam during pregnancy

If you are actively trying to conceive do not steam during the time in your cycle when you may be pregnant

Do not steam during menstruation

Do not steam if you are presenting with any signs of damp or moist heat disorders in the reproductive, genital or anal areas. These types of issues include: candida, bacterial infection, herpes outbreak, yeast infections, etc.

Cautions and what to expect

Although pelvic steaming is a very gentle "DIY" healing approach, there are some common sense tips to remember:

Do not use essential oils in place of herbs. They are too strong for this purpose and will burn the delicate skin in this area.

Keep warm during and after the steaming process. Wear warm socks/slippers and wrap your lower and upper body in a light blanket or robe. The idea is to keep the entire body warm, and away from drafts.

Be careful with steam temperature and adjust your sitting position as necessary. The steam should feel warm, but not hot enough to burn you.

Expect to see changes in vaginal discharge and menstruation post steam. These are typically normal cleansing signs and will help your body self-regulate as necessary.

Herbs used in Pelvic Steaming

In Mayan healing practices, the herbs traditionally used for steaming are easy to find plants such as Oregano, Chamomile, Basil, Marigold (calendula) and Lemon Balm. The herbs may be fresh or dried. Specific needs may require particular herbs with stimulating, warming or moistening properties. Pelvic steaming is a modality that may be used in conjunction with an Acupuncture or Arvigo® Therapy protocol and customized according to your needs.

If you are interested in more information on Pelvic/Vaginal Steaming please contact me for a complimentary 20 minute consultation here.

​DISCLAIMER: Please note the content on this website is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional, nor is it meant to diagnose or treat a health problem, symptom or disease. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before taking any medication, nutritional supplement or using any treatment for a health problem. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health provider promptly. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice because of something you have read on this website. Information provided on this website does not create professional relationship between you and Vital Bloom Wellness or Barbara Poczyniak..​.